With a rumored coffee shortage coming soon, we wanted to find some caffeine substitutes that will help you avoid the jitters and withdrawal of your afternoon cup of joe.
1. Don’t Skip Breakfast!
It can be hard to budget in the time to make a hearty breakfast for yourself before work, but it is worth it later! Breakfasts that are full of complex carbs like whole wheat bread, quinoa, and oats sustain your blood sugar throughout the day, helping you to avoid the dips and peaks of your blood sugar levels. Try out some of these recipes that can be made the night before or morning of for a nutrient packed breakfast:
- Blueberry and Almond Overnight Oats
- Seamus Mullen’s Power Granola
- Superfood Nuts and Berries Smoothie Bowl
- Quinoa and Kefir Pesto Breakfast Bowl
2. Reach for Gum Instead of Candy
Ever hear of chewing gum during a standardized test? Chewing gum can increase your heart rate, which increases blood flow to the brain. By stimulating your brain, you will feel more alert and can more easily focus on the task at hand. Replacing gum for candy can also help you avoid the crashes associated with sugar consumption.
3. Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices can offer a quick pick-me-up at any time of day. Add fresh ginger or garlic to your meal to help with digestion and heart health. If you’ve ever had issues with digestion, you know how sluggish that can make you feel! Our Honey Spice Kefir Lassi is the perfect drink to spice up your afternoon.
4. Kefir
Kefir ranks high on our list of energy-boosting foods, which shouldn’t come as a big surprise. With 12 live and active cultures in every serving, kefir supports a healthy digestive system and boosts immunity. Try it in the morning with fresh fruit, over granola, or straight up, and you might even find yourself skipping your daily latte all together. Frozen kefir also makes the perfect afternoon indulgence without the guilt!
5. Water
You may be thinking: “I drink water, but I still feel sluggish!” Well, we can guarantee you probably aren’t drinking enough. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day — the colder, the better! If you’re at work, you’ll get the added benefit of getting up and stretching your legs to get to the water cooler.
6. Lentils
Lentils are a high-fiber, high-protein food that will keep you going without the caffeine jitters. Unlike beans, dry lentils don’t require pre-soaking, so they’re ready to eat in under a half an hour. Try them cold with fresh chopped veggies and a vinegar dressing for lunch, or serve them hot, mixed with rice for a power-packed dinner.
7. Avoid the Dark
Sitting in a dark area will just add to your fatigue. Make sure that as the natural light fades, you have an alternative form of light to stay awake. Increasing the brightness of your laptop or phone can help too.
If you are interested in learning how to boost your mood as well, click here.